Implant With Curved Bone Contacting Elements

ABSTRACT

An implant may include a body having a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediate portion. The leading edge portion may include a substantially smooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leading edge surface and the trailing edge portion may include a monolithic structure including at least one receptacle configured to receive an insertion tool. The intermediate portion may include a plurality of elongate curved structural members continuously formed with at least one of the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. In addition, the elongate curved structural members may be configured such that the intermediate portion remains substantially rigid under compressive forces during insertion of the implant between bone surfaces of a patient. Also, the elongate curved structural members may include an elongate curved structural member extending longitudinally from the leading edge portion to the trailing edge portion and having a substantially sinusoidal configuration.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Hamzey et al., U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2018/0296347, published on Oct. 18, 2018,and entitled “Implant with Curved Bone Contacting Elements,” which is acontinuation-in-part of McShane, III et al., U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0042697, published on Feb. 16, 2017, and entitled“Implant with Arched Bone Contacting Elements,” which is acontinuation-in-part of Morris et al., U.S. Publication Number2016/0324656, published on Nov. 10, 2016, and entitled “Coiled Implantsand Systems and Methods Thereof,” which application claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application Number 62/154,599, filed Apr. 29, 2015,U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/217,542, filed Sep. 11, 2015, andU.S. Provisional Application Number 62/301,546, filed Feb. 29, 2016.This Application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNumber 62/412,657, filed Oct. 25, 2016. Each of the above-listedapplications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments are generally directed to implants for supporting bonegrowth in a patient.

A variety of different implants are used in the body. Implants used inthe body to stabilize an area and promote bone ingrowth provide bothstability (i.e. minimal deformation under pressure over time) and spacefor bone ingrowth.

Spinal fusion, also known as spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis, is asurgical treatment method used for the treatment of various morbiditiessuch as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (slippage of avertebra), spinal stenosis, scoliosis, fracture, infection or tumor. Theaim of the spinal fusion procedure is to reduce instability and thuspain.

In preparation for the spinal fusion, most of the intervertebral disc isremoved. An implant, the spinal fusion cage, may be placed between thevertebra to maintain spine alignment and disc height. The fusion, i.e.bone bridge, occurs between the endplates of the vertebrae.

Wedge implants may also be used in other parts of the body to fuseadjacent bones other than vertebrae, or to fuse segments of a singlebone such as for an opening wedge osteotomy. For example, wedge implantsmay also be used for osteotomy procedures, as well as sacroiliac (S.I.)joint fusion or stabilization procedures.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an implant includes a body, a first arched bonecontacting element having two ends attached to the body; and a secondarched bone contacting element having two ends attached to the body.

In another aspect, an implant includes a body including a lateral axis.The implant also includes a first arched bone contacting elementoriented at a first angle with respect to the lateral axis and a secondarched bone contacting element oriented at a second angle with respectto the lateral axis. The first angle is different from the second angle.

In another aspect, an implant includes a body comprising a peripheralstructure, a first support beam and a second support beam. Theperipheral structure bounds an interior region and the first supportbeam and the second support beam span the interior region. The implantalso includes a first arched bone contacting element extending from aportion of the peripheral structure to the first support beam and asecond arched bone contacting element extending from the first supportbeam to the second support beam.

In another aspect, an implant includes a body having a leading edgeportion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediate portion extendingbetween the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. Theleading edge portion includes a substantially smooth surface forming asubstantial majority of a leading edge surface of the leading edgeportion. The trailing edge portion includes a monolithic structureincluding at least one receptacle configured to receive an insertiontool. In addition, the intermediate portion includes a plurality ofelongate curved structural members.

In another aspect, an implant includes a body having a leading edgeportion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediate portion extendingbetween the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. Theleading edge portion includes a substantially smooth surface forming asubstantial majority of a leading edge surface of the leading edgeportion. The trailing edge portion includes a monolithic structureincluding at least one receptacle configured to receive an insertiontool. In addition, the implant further includes at least one elongatesubstantially spiral member forming perimeter portions of the implantextending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edgeportion.

In another aspect, an implant includes a body having a leading edgeportion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediate portion extendingbetween the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. Theleading edge portion includes a substantially smooth surface forming asubstantial majority of a leading edge surface of the leading edgeportion. The trailing edge portion includes a monolithic structureincluding at least one receptacle configured to receive an insertiontool. In addition, the implant includes at least one support beamextending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edgeportion. Further, the implant includes at least one elongatesubstantially helical member extending between the leading edge portionand the trailing edge portion.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an implant;

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an implant;

FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an implant;

FIG. 4 is a schematic superior view of a body of the implant of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of the body of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic anterior view of an embodiment of an implant;

FIG. 7 is a schematic posterior view of an embodiment of an implant;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an arched bone contacting elementincluding several schematic cross-sections, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an implant including an enlarged schematicview of the attachment region between an arched bone contacting elementand a portion of a body of the implant, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic superior view of the implant of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic superior view of another embodiment of animplant;

FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric view of another embodiment of animplant;

FIG. 13 is a schematic superior view of the implant of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an implantincluding a roughened surface;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a roughened surface region, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an osteotomy procedure involvingimplantation of a wedge implant;

FIG. 17 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of an embodiment ofan implant;

FIG. 18 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of the implantshown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a schematic lateral view of the implant shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a schematic leading edge view of the implant shown in FIG.17;

FIG. 21 is a schematic trailing edge view of the implant shown in FIG.17;

FIG. 22 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of another osteotomy procedureinvolving implantation of a wedge implant;

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of another osteotomy procedureinvolving implantation of a wedge implant;

FIG. 25 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 26 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a sacroiliac joint stabilizationprocedure involving implantation of a wedge implant;

FIG. 28 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 29 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of the implantshown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 31 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 32 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant;

FIG. 33 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant; and

FIG. 34 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein are directed to implants includingportions for insertion within recesses in bone. The portions configuredfor insertion within the recesses each include a body having a substrateor central portion and a multi-layer bone interfacing lattice. Thelayers of the bone interfacing lattice may include elongate curvedstructural members. Such structural members may have any of a variety ofcurved configurations. For example, the structural members may includeportions that are helical, spiraled, coiled, sinusoidal, arched, orotherwise curved. Examples of such curved configurations are provided inthe following applications.

In addition to the various provisions discussed below, any of theembodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of the body/supportstructures, frames, plates, coils or other structures disclosed inMcShane III et al., U.S. Publication Number 2018/0110626, published onApr. 26, 2018, and titled “Implant with Protected Fusion Zones,” andwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For purposesof convenience, this application will be referred to throughout thepresent application as “The Protective Fusion Zones application.”

Also, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of thebody/support structures, elements, frames, plates or other structuresdisclosed in McShane III et al., U.S. Publication Number 2017/0042697,published on Feb. 16, 2017, and titled “Implant with Arched BoneContacting Elements,” and which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

Also, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of thebody/support structures, elements, frames, plates or other structuresdisclosed in McShane III et al., U.S. Publication Number 2018/0256351,published on Sep. 13, 2018, and titled “Implant with Structural MembersArranged Around a Ring,” and which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety and referred to herein as “The Ring application.”

Also, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of thebody/support structures, elements, frames, plates, or other structuresdisclosed in Morris et al., U.S. Publication Number 2016/0324656,published on Nov. 10, 2016, and titled “Coiled Implants and Systems andMethods of Use Thereof,” and which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety and referred to herein as “The Coiled ImplantApplication.”

Also, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of thebody/support structures, elements, frames, plates, or other structuresdisclosed in Nyahay et al., U.S. Pat. No. 10,357,377, issued on Jul. 23,2019, and entitled “Implant with Bone Contacting Elements Having Helicaland Undulating Planar Geometries,” and which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Also, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of thebody/support structures, elements, frames, plates, or other structuresdisclosed in Nyahay et al., U.S. Publication Number 2018/0256353,published on Sep. 13, 2018, and entitled “Corpectomy Implant,” and whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Also, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may make use of any of thebody/support structures, elements, frames, plates, or other structuresdisclosed in Bishop et al., U.S. Pat. No. 10,213,317, issued on Feb. 26,2019, and entitled “Implant with Supported Helical Members,” and whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Introduction to Implant

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate isometric views of an embodiment of implant 100.Implant 100 may also be referred to as a cage or fusion device. In someembodiments, implant 100 is configured to be implanted within a portionof the human body. In some embodiments, implant 100 may be configuredfor implantation into the spine. In some embodiments, implant 100 may bea spinal fusion implant, or spinal fusion device, that is insertedbetween adjacent vertebrae to provide support and/or facilitate fusionbetween the vertebrae.

In some embodiments, implant 100 may include a body 102. Body 102 maygenerally provide a frame or skeleton for implant 100. In someembodiments, implant 100 may also include a plurality of arched bonecontacting elements 104. Plurality of arched bone contacting elements104 may be attached, and/or continuously formed (or “integrally formed”)with, body 102.

As used herein, each arched bone contacting element comprises adistinctive member or element that spans a region or area of an implant.In some embodiments, these elements may overlap or intersect, similar toelements in a lattice or other 3D mesh structure. In other embodiments,the elements may not overlap or intersect. Some embodiments may useelements in which the length of the element is greater than its widthand its thickness. For example, in embodiments where an element has anapproximately circular cross-sectional shape, the element has a lengthgreater than its diameter. In the embodiments seen in FIGS. 1-3, eacharched bone contacting element is seen to have an approximately roundedor circular cross-sectional shape (i.e., the element has the geometry ofa solid tube) along at least a portion of the element. However, in otherembodiments, an element could have any other cross-sectional shape,including, but not limited to various polygonal cross-sectional shapes,as well as any other regular and/or irregular cross-sectional shapes. Insome cases, for example, the cross-sectional shape of an arched bonecontacting element could vary along its length (e.g., the diameter orshape could change along its length).

For purposes of clarity, reference is made to various directionaladjectives throughout the detailed description and in the claims. Asused herein, the term “anterior” refers to a side or portion of animplant that is intended to be oriented towards the front of the humanbody when the implant has been placed in the body. Likewise, the term“posterior” refers to a side or portion of an implant that is intendedto be oriented towards the back of the human body followingimplantation. In addition, the term “superior” refers to a side orportion of an implant that is intended to be oriented towards a top(e.g., the head) of the body while “inferior” refers to a side orportion of an implant that is intended to be oriented towards a bottomof the body. Reference is also made herein to “lateral” sides orportions of an implant, which are sides or portions facing along lateraldirections of the body following implantation.

In FIGS. 1-3, implant 100 is understood to be configured with ananterior side 110 and a posterior side 112. Implant 100 may also includea first lateral side 114 and a second lateral side 116 that extendbetween the posterior side 112 and the anterior side 110 on opposingsides of implant 100. Furthermore, implant 100 may also include asuperior side 130 and an inferior side 140.

Reference is also made to directions or axes that are relative to theimplant itself, rather than to its intended orientation with regards tothe body. For example, the term “distal” refers to a part that islocated further from a center of an implant, while the term “proximal”refers to a part that is located closer to the center of the implant. Asused herein, the “center of the implant” could be the center of massand/or a central plane and/or another centrally located referencesurface.

As used herein, the term “fixedly attached” shall refer to twocomponents joined in a manner such that the components may not bereadily separated (for example, without destroying one or bothcomponents).

An implant may also be associated with various axes. Referring to FIG.1, implant 100 may be associated with a lateral axis 120 that extendsalong implant 100 between first lateral side 114 and second lateral side116. Additionally, implant 100 may be associated with aposterior-anterior axis 122 that extends between posterior side 112 andanterior side 110. Moreover, implant 100 may be associated with avertical axis 124 that extends along the thickness dimension of implant100 and which is generally perpendicular to both lateral axis 120 andposterior-anterior axis 122.

An implant may also be associated with various reference planes orsurfaces. As used herein, the term “median plane” refers to a verticalplane which passes from the anterior side to the posterior side of theimplant, dividing the implant into right and left halves, or lateralhalves. As used herein, the term “transverse plane” refers to ahorizontal plane located in the center of the implant that divides theimplant into superior and inferior halves. As used herein, the term“coronal plane” refers to a vertical plane located in the center of theimplant that divides the implant into anterior and posterior halves. Insome embodiments, the implant is symmetric about two planes, such as thetransverse plane.

Peripheral Structure

In some embodiments, a body may comprise a peripheral structure and oneor more support beams that extend from the peripheral structure. Aperipheral structure may be comprised of any number of plates, walls orsimilar structures. In some embodiments the peripheral structure couldcomprise a ring. In other words, in some embodiments, the peripheralstructure could be a peripheral ring structure. As seen in FIGS. 1-3,body 102 may be further comprised of a peripheral structure 150.Peripheral structure 150 is seen to have a ring-like geometry.

FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of body 102 shown in isolationwithout any arched bone contacting elements and FIG. 5 is a schematictop view of body 102 in isolation from any arched bone contactingelements. Referring to FIGS. 4-5, peripheral structure 150 may befurther comprised of an anterior side 152, a posterior side 154, a firstlateral side 156 and a second lateral side 158. As seen in FIGS. 1-2, inthis exemplary embodiment, peripheral structure 150 is a continuousstructure so that anterior side 152 is connected to first lateral side156, first lateral side 156 is connected to posterior side 154,posterior side 154 is connected to second lateral side 158 and secondlateral side 158 is connected to anterior side 152. That is, anteriorside 152, first lateral side 156, posterior side 154 and second lateralside 158 together form a continuous or unbroken ring.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of implant 100 while FIG. 7 is aschematic rear view of implant 100. Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, anteriorside 152 is further comprised of a first anterior portion 160 and asecond anterior portion 162. First lateral side 156 extends from firstanterior portion 160 of anterior side 152 to posterior side 154.Likewise, second lateral side 158 extends from second anterior portion162 of anterior side 152 to posterior side 154.

First anterior portion 160 is comprised of a distal surface 164 (bestseen in FIG. 6), a superior surface 166 and an inferior surface 168.First anterior portion 160 also includes a first lateral surface 170 anda second lateral surface (not shown) opposite first lateral surface 170.In addition, first anterior portion 160 includes a proximal surface 174that is joined with a second support beam 254 as discussed below.

Second anterior portion 162 includes distal surface 184 (best seen inFIG. 6), a superior surface 186 and an inferior surface (not shown).Second anterior portion 162 also includes a first lateral surface 190(see FIG. 5). In addition, second anterior portion 162 includes aproximal surface 194 that is joined with a third support beam 256 asdiscussed below. Moreover, second anterior portion 162 is disposedadjacent to first anterior portion 160. In some embodiments, firstanterior portion 160 and second anterior portion 162 are joinedtogether.

Each of first lateral side 156 and second lateral side 158 comprise adistal surface joined with a proximal surface. In some cases, theproximal surface may be convex. For example, first lateral side 156includes distal surface 210 and proximal surface 212, where proximalsurface 212 is convex and joined directly to distal surface 210 alongthe superior and inferior sides of implant 100.

Posterior side 154 of implant 100 comprises a superior surface 200 andan inferior surface 202 (see FIG. 7). Posterior side 154 also includes adistal surface 204 and a proximal surface 206. As seen in FIG. 5, thegeometry of implant 100 at posterior side 154 tapers towards firstlateral side 156 and second lateral side 158.

In some embodiments, the vertical height or thickness of differentportions of a peripheral structure could vary. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 6, which shows a front schematic view of implant 100, firstanterior portion 160 is shown to have a first height 300 while secondanterior portion 162 is shown to have a second height 302. Here, firstheight 300 is seen to be greater than second height 302. In someembodiments, this tapering in height from the centrally located firstanterior portion 160 to the adjacent second anterior portion 162 helpsgive anterior side 152 of peripheral structure 150 a convex shape tobetter fit between adjacent vertebral bodies upon implantation.

Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 7, the height of peripheral structure 150along posterior side 154 is indicated as third height 304. In theexemplary embodiment, third height 304 is less than first height 300.Moreover, in some cases, third height 304 may be slightly less thansecond height 302. In some embodiments, variations in height or verticalthickness between the posterior and anterior sides of an implant mayallow for an implant with hyper-lordotic angles between the inferior andsuperior surfaces. In other embodiments, variations in verticalthickness may be used to control the relative rigidity of the device indifferent locations.

In some embodiments, the thickness of peripheral structure 150 may besmaller along both of first lateral side 156 and second lateral side 158than along either of anterior side 152 or posterior side 154. In theexemplary embodiment first lateral side 156 and second lateral side 158have a similar fourth height 306. Here, fourth height 306 is less thanfirst height 300, second height 302 and third height 304. By using areduced height or vertical thickness for the lateral sides as comparedto the anterior and posterior sides, it is possible to attach archedbone contacting elements to the lateral sides while maintaining a smoothvertical profile across the superior and inferior surfaces of implant100 (see FIG. 7).

Support Beams

In some embodiments, a body may be provided with one or more supportbeams (or support structures) that act to reinforce a peripheralstructure. In some embodiments, one or more support beams could bedisposed along the interior of a peripheral structure. For example, insome embodiments, one or more support beams could extend from a firstlocation on an inwardly (or proximally) facing surface of the supportstructure to a second location on the inwardly facing surface of thesupport structure. In other words, in some embodiments, one or moresupport beams may span an interior region bounded by the peripheralstructure.

As seen in FIGS. 4-5, body 102 includes a plurality of support beams250. These include first support beam 252, second support beam 254 andthird support beam 256. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, each ofthese support beams extends from a first location on inwardly facingsurface 260 of peripheral structure 150 to a second location on aninwardly facing surface of peripheral structure 150. Here, it may beunderstood that the inwardly facing surface 260 of peripheral structure150 is comprised of the proximal surfaces of the various sides ofperipheral structure 150 (e.g., proximal surface 174, proximal surface194, proximal surface 212, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, first support beam 252 includes a first end 270attached to a first anterior location 271 of inwardly facing surface 260and a second end 272 attached at a second anterior location 273 ofinwardly facing surface 260. Likewise, each of second support beam 254and third support beam 256 include opposing ends attached to differentlocations along inwardly facing surface 260. With this arrangement,plurality of support beams 250 are seen to span an interior region 290(or central region) that is bounded by peripheral structure 150.

The plurality of support beams 250 may be characterized as beingcentrally located within implant 100 with respect to peripheralstructure 150. As used herein, “centrally located” does not refer to aprecise location that is at the geometric center or center of mass of animplant, but rather a general area or region disposed inwardly of aperipheral structure (e.g., within interior region 290). Thus, in thefollowing description and in the claims, a support beam may be referredto as a central beam.

In different embodiments, the number of support beams could vary. Insome embodiments, a single support beam could be used. In otherembodiments, two or more support beams could be used. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, three support beams are used.

In different embodiments, the orientation of one or more beams couldvary. In some embodiments, two or more support beams could be orientedin parallel. In other embodiments, two or more support beams could bedisposed at oblique angles to one another. In the exemplary embodiment,first support beam 252, second support beam 254 and third support beam256 may be disposed in parallel to one another. Moreover, in theexemplary embodiment, plurality of support beams 250 may be oriented ina posterior-anterior direction (i.e., along posterior-anterior axis122). Of course, in other embodiments, plurality of support beams 250could be oriented in any other directions.

In different embodiments, the spacing, or separation, between adjacentsupport beams could vary. In some embodiments, the spacing betweenadjacent support beams could be small relative to the lateral width ofan implant. For example, the spacing could range between 0% and 10% ofthe width of an implant. In other embodiments, the spacing betweenadjacent support beams could be large relative to the width of animplant. For example, the spacing could range between 10% and 95% of thewidth of an implant (for example, two beams located adjacent to opposinglateral sides of the implant may could be spaced apart by 95% of thewidth of the implant). The spacing between adjacent beams (or between abeam and a portion of a peripheral structure) may be constant or mayvary across an implant.

It may be appreciated that the relative spacing between support beamsmay be selected according to many factors, including the thicknesses ofone or more support beams, the number of support beams used, the desiredstrength to weight ratio for an implant as well as other factors.Moreover, the spacing between adjacent support beams may be determinedaccording to the dimensions of one or more arched bone contactingelements, since the arched bone contacting elements extend betweenadjacent support beams (or between a support beam and the peripheralstructure).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, first support beam 252 is spacedapart from first lateral side 156 by a spacing 292. First support beam252 and second support beam 254 are spaced apart from one another by aspacing 294. Second support beam 254 and third support beam 256 arespaced apart from one another by a spacing 296. Third support beam 256is spaced apart from second lateral side 158 by spacing 298. In theexemplary embodiment, each of spacing 292, spacing 294, spacing 296 andspacing 298 generally have a value in the range between 15% and 30% ofwidth 199 of implant 100. Of course it may be appreciated that eachspacing is an average or approximate spacing, since the spacing betweenadjacent components can vary, for example, along posterior-anterior axis122.

In different embodiments, the geometry of one or more support beamscould vary. In some embodiments, one or more support beams could have acurved geometry. In other embodiments, one or more support beams couldhave a substantially straight geometry. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.4-5, each of plurality of support beams 250 has a substantially straightgeometry. Moreover, the cross-sectional geometry of each support beam issubstantially rounded. However, in other embodiments, one or moresupport beams could have any other cross-sectional shape, including butnot limited to: rectangular shapes, polygonal shapes, regular shapesand/or irregular shapes. The cross-sectional shapes could also varyacross a length of a support beam from, for example, a roundedcross-sectional shape (e.g., circular or elliptic) to a polygonalcross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular).

In different embodiments, the thickness of one or more support beamscould vary. Generally, the thickness (or diameter) of a support beamcould vary in a range between 1% and 95% of the width (or length) of animplant. In the exemplary embodiment, first support beam 252, secondsupport beam 254 and third support beam 256 have diameters in a rangeapproximately between 2% and 15% of width 199 of implant 100, as seen inFIG. 4. More specifically, second support beam 254 has a diameter 255that is greater than a diameter 253 of first support beam 252 and alsothat is greater than a diameter 257 of third support beam 256. In somecases, second support beam 254 may have the largest diameter. Becauseimpact forces are applied at the center of implant 100 (where secondsupport beam 254 is located) by a device coupled to implant 100 at firstinterior portion 160, this greater diameter for second support beam 254may help reinforce the center of implant 100.

In at least some embodiments, support beams in the body of an implantmay be coplanar. In FIGS. 4-5, first support beam 252, second supportbeam 254 and third support beam 256 are seen to reside in a similarplane of implant 100. The coplanar arrangement of support beams may helpprovide a generally symmetric arrangement for implant 100 between thesuperior and inferior sides.

Generally, the geometry of one or more portions of the body of animplant could vary from one embodiment to another. For example, portionsof a body can include one or more windows, slots and/or openings thatmay facilitate bone growth through the implant and/or may reduce weight.

Fastening Provisions

Some embodiments can include one or more fastener receiving provisions.Some embodiments can include one or more attachment openings that mayengage an insertion or implantation device. In some embodiments, animplant can include one or more threaded cavities. In some embodiments,a threaded cavity can be configured to mate with a correspondingthreaded tip on an implantation tool or device. In other embodiments, athreaded cavity can receive a fastener for purposes of fastening animplant to another device or component in an implantation system thatuses multiple implants and/or multiple components.

As best seen in FIG. 6, implant 100 includes a first threaded cavity 360disposed in first anterior portion 160. Implant 100 also includes secondthreaded cavity 362 disposed in second anterior portion 162. In someembodiments, first threaded cavity 360 may receive the threaded tip ofan implantation tool (not shown). Such a tool could be used to driveimplant 100 between adjacent vertebral bodies. Optionally, in somecases, implant 100 may also include a pair of indentations (indentation365 and indentation 367) that may facilitate alignment between animplantation tool and implant 100. In some embodiments, second threadedcavity 362 could be used to fasten implant 100 to a separate component(not shown) of a broader implantation system. For example, someembodiments could incorporate a separate plate that may be fastened toimplant 100 using a fastener secured within first threaded cavity 360 orsecond threaded cavity 362. Such a plate could include additionalfixation members (e.g., screws) that could be used with the implant.

Arched Bone Contacting Elements

In some embodiments, an arched bone contacting element may include afirst end portion, an intermediate portion and a second end portion. Insome embodiments, the intermediate portion may have an arched geometry.In such cases, an intermediate portion having an arched geometry may bereferred to as an “arched portion”. In some embodiments, the first endportion and/or the second end portion could have a flared geometry. Insuch cases, an end having a flared geometry may be referred to as a“flared leg” of the arched bone contacting element.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an exemplary arched bone contactingelement seen in isolation, including several enlarged schematiccross-sectional views taken at various locations of the element.Referring to FIG. 8, arched bone contacting element 400 is comprised ofa first end portion, which is referred to as a first flared leg 402.Arched bone contacting element 400 is also comprised of an archedportion 404. Additionally, arched bone contacting element 400 iscomprised of a second end portion, which is referred to as a secondflared leg 406.

In some embodiments, an arched bone contacting element can includeprovisions for engaging a vertebral body following implantation. In someembodiments, one or more arched bone contacting elements can include atleast one distal surface region that is configured to directly contact avertebral endplate. In some cases, a distal surface region could be aflattened surface region. In other cases, a distal surface region couldbe a convex surface region. In still other cases, a distal surfaceregion could be a concave surface region. More generally, a distalsurface region could have a different curvature from the adjacentsurface regions of an arched portion. Moreover, the particular curvaturefor a distal surface region could be selected to match the localgeometry of an opposing vertebral endplate.

As an example, in FIG. 8, arched bone contacting element 400 is seen toinclude a distal surface region 490 that is located in arched portion404. In some embodiments, distal surface region 490 may have a convexcurvature that is smaller than the curvature of adjacent regions ofarched portion 404. Similarly, as best seen in FIG. 7, the remainingarched bone contacting elements of implant 100 are also configured withdistal bone contacting regions having a smaller curvature than adjacentsurface regions of arched portion 404 (i.e., these distal surfaceregions may be flatter than the remaining regions of arched portion 404,but may not be completely flat). Together, these distal bone contactingregions provide a partial smooth surface that can engage a vertebralbody. Moreover, in some embodiments, the collection of flattened (orconvex) bone contacting regions together form a minimal contact surfacewith the bone and thereby allow for an increased amount of graftmaterial or bone growth promoting material to be placed in directcontact with the bone. Specifically, bone growth promoting material thatis disposed in between arched bone contacting elements, including beingdisposed in the open regions along the superior and inferior surfaces,may directly contact the bone.

For purposes of reference, arched bone contacting element 400 may becharacterized as having a curved central axis 401. As used herein, thecurved central axis of an element is an axis that extends along thelength of the element and is located at an approximate center of theelement at each location along its length. It may be understood that thecross-sections discussed below and shown in FIG. 8 are taken alongplanes that are perpendicular to curved central axis 401.

As seen in FIG. 8, arched portion 404 has an arched geometry. Archedportion 404 is also seen to have a rounded cross-sectional shape. Morespecifically, in some cases, arched portion 404 has an approximatelycircular (or near-circular) cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments,the diameter and cross-sectional shape of arched portion 404 staysrelatively constant along much of the length of arched portion 404(i.e., along curved central axis 401). However, it may be understoodthat the cross-sectional shape of arched portion 404 could vary, forexample, along flattened bone contacting region 490. For reference, across-section of arched portion 404 taken at reference plane 471 isshown in FIG. 8. Of course, in other embodiments, arched portion 404could have any other cross-sectional shape.

At each flared leg, the cross-sectional shape of arched bone contactingelement 400 may vary. For example, as seen in FIG. 8, thecross-sectional shape of first flared leg 402 has a firstcross-sectional shape 410 at a location adjacent arched portion 404(taken at reference plane 472). First flared leg 402 also has a secondcross-sectional shape 412 and a third cross-sectional shape 414. Here,the third cross-sectional shape 414 is taken at a location furthest fromarched portion 404 (taken at reference plane 474), and secondcross-sectional shape 412 is taken at an intermediate location alongfirst flared leg 402 (taken at reference plane 473).

As shown in FIG. 8, the cross-sectional shape of first flared leg 402varies from an approximately circular cross-sectional shape (i.e., firstcross-sectional shape 410) to an approximately elliptic cross-sectionalshape (i.e., third cross-sectional shape 414). For example, the firstcross-sectional shape 410 of first flared leg 402 has a similar diameter420 along both a first axis 430 and a second axis 432. However, thesecond cross-sectional shape 412 has a major diameter 422 along firstaxis 430 that is greater than its minor diameter 424 along second axis432. Furthermore, the third cross-sectional shape 414 also has a majordiameter 426 along first axis 430 and a minor diameter 428 along secondaxis 432, where major diameter 426 is greater than major diameter 422and minor diameter 428 is greater than minor diameter 424. Thus, thecross-sectional size of first flared leg 402 increases as its shape alsochanges from an approximately circular shape to an approximatelyelliptic shape.

With the arrangement described above, the cross-sectional area of archedbone contacting element 400 may be a minimum in arched portion 404.Moreover, moving along curved central axis 401 from arched portion 404to first flared leg 402, the cross-sectional area increases throughfirst flared leg 402 until reaching a maximum at the furthest end offirst flared leg 402 (and similarly reaching a maximum at the furthestend of second flared leg 406).

This increase in cross-sectional area provides for a wider base for eacharched bone contacting element at its attachment to the body and canthus improve the strength of the attachment between the arched bonecontacting element and the body. Moreover, the variation incross-sectional shape allows the increase in size to be primarilydirected in a direction parallel with the underlying structure (e.g., asupport beam or a section of the peripheral structure). For example, asseen in FIG. 9, first flared leg 402 has a longest dimension parallelwith a central axis 480 of peripheral segment 482 to which first flaredleg 402 is attached. Here, peripheral segment 482 is a segment ofimplant 499. Moreover, first flared leg 402 has a smallest dimensionparallel with a widthwise axis 484 of peripheral segment 482. Thus, thesurface area of the attachment between arched bone contacting element400 and peripheral segment 482 is increased while preventing firstflared leg 402 from extending beyond peripheral segment 482 in thedirection of widthwise axis 484.

While the geometry of first flared leg 402 is discussed in detailed, itmay be appreciated that second flared leg 406 may have a similargeometry to first flared leg 402. Likewise, the flared legs of theremaining arched bone contacting elements of implant 100 may also havesimilar geometries to first flared leg 402.

The particular cross-sectional geometries (circular and elliptic)illustrated for portions of an arched bone contacting element in FIG. 8are only intended to be schematic representations of possible variationsin geometry for an arched bone contacting element. In some embodiments,a flared leg could have a more irregular geometry, which whileincreasing in size and becoming elongated along one axis, does not havea substantially elliptic cross-sectional shape. Moreover, thecross-sectional shape could change between any two shapes at opposingends of the flared leg. Exemplary cross-sectional shapes include, butare not limited to: rounded (including circular and elliptic),rectangular, polygonal, regular, irregular as well as any other shapes.

Embodiments could include any number of arched bone contacting elements.Some embodiments may include a single arched bone contacting element.Still other embodiments could include any number of arched bonecontacting elements in the range between 2 and 50. In still furtherembodiments, an implant could include more than 50 elements. In theexemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, implant 100 includes 18 archedbone contacting elements, including nine elements on superior side 130and nine elements on inferior side 140. The number of arched bonecontacting elements used can vary according to factors including implantsize, desired implant strength, desired volume for bone graft or otherbone growth promoting materials as well as possibly other factors.

In different embodiments, the arrangement of arched bone contactingelements in an implant could vary. In some embodiments, arched bonecontacting elements could attach to any portions of a peripheralstructure, to any beams of an implant, as well as other arched bonecontacting elements. In some embodiments, an arched bone contactingelement could extend across the entire width of an implant. In otherembodiments, an arched bone contacting element may only extend across aportion of the width of an implant.

In order to enhance strength in an implant, some embodiments may usearched bone contacting elements that only extend between adjacent beamsor between a beam and an adjacent portion of a peripheral structure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of implant 100. Referring to FIG. 10,plurality of arched bone contacting elements 104 includes a superior setof arched bone contacting elements 502 and an inferior set of archedbone contacting element 504 (visible in FIG. 7). Superior set 502 isfurther comprised of a first group of arched bone contacting elements510 (or simply, first group 510), a second group of arched bonecontacting elements 512 (or simply second group 512), a third group ofarched bone contacting elements 514 (or simply third group 514) and afourth group of arched bone contacting elements 516 (or simply fourthgroup 516). In the embodiment of FIG. 10, each group of arched bonecontacting elements includes two or more elements that extend betweenthe same two beams or between the same beam and the same side ofperipheral structure 150.

As seen in FIG. 10, first group 510 includes first arched bonecontacting element 521, second arched bone contacting element 522 andthird arched bone contacting element 523. Each of these elements extendsbetween first lateral side 156 of peripheral structure 150 and firstsupport beam 252. For example, first arched bone contacting element 521has a flared leg 531 attached to first lateral side 156 and a flared leg532 attached to first support beam 252. Similarly, each of second archedbone contacting element 522 and third arched bone contacting element 523have one flared leg attached to first lateral side 156 and anotherflared leg attached to first support beam 252.

Second group 512 includes fourth arched bone contacting element 524 andfifth arched bone contacting element 525. Each of these elements extendsbetween first support beam 252 and second support beam 254. For example,fourth arched bone contacting element 524 has a flared leg 541 attachedto first support beam 252 and another flared leg 542 attached to secondsupport beam 254. Similarly, fifth arched bone contacting element 525has a flared leg attached to first support beam 252 and another flaredleg attached to second support beam 254.

Third group 514 includes sixth arched bone contacting element 526 andseventh arched bone contacting element 527. Each of these elementsextends between second support beam 254 and third support beam 256. Forexample, sixth arched bone contacting element 526 has a flared leg 551attached to second support beam 254 and another flared leg 552 attachedto third support beam 256. Similarly, seventh arched bone contactingelement 527 has a flared leg attached to second support beam 254 andanother flared leg attached to third support beam 256.

Fourth group 516 includes eighth arched bone contacting element 528 andninth arched bone contacting element 529. Each of these elements extendsbetween third support beam 256 and second lateral side 158 of peripheralstructure 150. For example, eighth arched bone contacting element 528has a flared leg 561 attached to third support beam 256 and anotherflared leg 562 attached to second lateral side 158. Similarly, nintharched bone contacting element 529 has a flared leg attached to thirdsupport beam 256 and another flared leg attached to second lateral side158.

In some cases, some portions of adjacent arched bone contacting elementscould be in contact or partially overlap. For example, some embodimentscould have flared legs that are in contact or partially overlap. As anexample, in FIG. 10, flared leg 532 is disposed adjacent to, and inpartial contact with flared leg 541. It may be appreciated, though, thateach arched bone contacting element attaches at its ends to portions ofthe body of implant 100.

Although the ends of two or more arched bone contacting elements may bein contact with one another, the arched portions of each element remainseparated from adjacent elements. In other words, there is nointersection between the arched portions of different arched bonecontacting elements. Specifically, in some embodiments, the archedportion of each arched bone contacting element may be non-intersectingor separated from one another. Also, there is no intersection of archedbone contacting elements at or near the regions where the arched bonecontacting elements contact the vertebrae. Thus it may be seen thatimplant 100 provides a plurality of arched bone contacting elements 104that are non-intersecting and are arranged to be in contact with anopposing vertebral surface.

Some embodiments may include provisions that allow a structure to beself-supporting during manufacturing, for example, when the structure ismanufactured using a 3D printing process. In some embodiments, thearrangement of arched bone contacting elements may be selected tofacilitate self- support during manufacturing (e.g., during a 3Dprinting process). In some embodiments, the arched bone contactingelements can be arranged in angled orientations relative to the body oran axis of the body. In some embodiments, the arched bone contactingelements may be arranged into a herringbone-like pattern that is furthercomprised of individual V-like configurations of elements. Such aconfiguration may enable the implant to be printed with self-supportingstructures.

One or more arched bone contacting elements may be angled with respectto one or more axes of an implant. Referring to FIG. 10, for example,second arched bone contacting element 522 is oriented at an obliqueangle with respect to lateral axis 120 (and also with respect toposterior-anterior axis 122). Additionally, fourth arched bonecontacting element 524 is oriented at an oblique angle with respect tolateral axis 120 (and also with respect to posterior-anterior axis 122).Moreover, second bone contacting element 522 and fourth bone contactingelement 524 are oriented at different angles from lateral axis 122. Asshown in FIG. 10, the remaining arched bone contacting elements may alsobe oriented at an oblique angle with respect to lateral axis 120 ofimplant 100. Thus it may be seen that the arched bone contactingelements are not arranged in parallel on implant 100.

In some embodiments, at least two arched bone contacting elements may bearranged in a V-like configuration, or pattern, on a body of an implant.For example, second arched bone contacting element 522 and fourth archedbone contacting element 524 are arranged in a first V-like configuration600. Additionally, sixth arched bone contacting element 526 and eightharched bone contacting element 528 are arranged in a second V-likeconfiguration 602. Also, third arched bone contacting element 523 andfifth arched bone contacting element 525 are arranged in a third V-likeconfiguration 604. Finally, seventh arched bone contacting element 527and ninth arched bone contacting element 529 are arranged in a fourthV-like configuration 606. Although the present embodiment includes fourV-like configurations on the superior side (i.e., superior set of archedbone contacting elements 502), as well as another four V-likeconfigurations on the inferior side, other embodiments could include anyother number of V-like configurations on the superior side or theinferior side.

In different embodiments, the positioning and orientation of V-likeconfigurations could vary. In some embodiments, all of the V-likeconfigurations may be oriented in a similar direction. In otherembodiments, two or more V-like configurations could be oriented indifferent directions. Moreover, in some cases, two or more V-likeconfigurations could be arranged in rows and/or columns.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, each V-like configuration has acommon orientation corresponding to the posterior-anterior axis 122.Specifically, each configuration is arranged such that the tip of the Vpoints along posterior-anterior axis 122 and in the direction towardsposterior side 154. Moreover, first V-like configuration 600 and secondV-like configuration 602 are disposed adjacent to one another in a firstrow such that they have different positions along lateral axis 120.Likewise, third V-like configuration 604 and fourth V-like configuration606 are disposed adjacent to one another in a second row. Furthermore,first V-like configuration 600 and third V-like configuration 604 aredisposed adjacent to one another in a first column such that they havedifferent positions along posterior-anterior axis 122. Likewise, secondV-like configuration 602 and fourth V-like configuration 606 aredisposed adjacent one another in a second column. As seen in FIG. 10,when considered together, the four V-like configurations form a largerherringbone pattern 620 on body 102.

Each V-like configuration may be centered around a single support beam.For example, first V-like configuration 600 and second V-likeconfiguration may be centered around first support beam 252. Also, thirdV-like configuration and fourth V-like configuration may be centeredaround third support beam 256.

Each V-like configuration may extend from a lateral side of body 102 toa central support beam (e.g., second support beam 254). For example,first V-like configuration 600 extends from first lateral side 156 tosecond support beam 254. And second V-like configuration 602 extendsfrom second support beam 254 to second lateral side 158.

In some cases, orienting arched bone contacting elements into aherringbone pattern may facilitate easier insertion of the implant. Inparticular, by angling the arched bone contacting elements away from thelateral direction, the elements may present a smaller surface area alongthe implantation direction (i.e., the posterior direction), which couldpotentially ease insertion effort.

The arrangement of arched bone contacting elements may also be designedto achieve a desired total open volume. As used herein a total volume isthe combined volume of any openings between arched bone contactingelements, any openings in the body, or between arched bone contactingelements and the body. This open configuration may facilitate bonegrowth in and through the implant. A portion or all of the open spacesis optionally filled with a bone graft or bone growth promoting materialprior to or after insertion of the implant to facilitate bone growth.

The total volume of the open spaces (also referred to simply as the openspace volume) within any particular implant is dependent on the overalldimension of the implant as well as the size and dimension of individualcomponents within the implant including arched bone contacting elements.The open space volume may range from about 20% to 80% of the volume ofthe implant. In some embodiments, implant 100 may have an open spacevolume that is between 25% and 80% of the implant's total volume. Instill further embodiments, implant 100 may have an open space volumethat is between 50% and 70% of the total implant volume.

In some embodiments, an implant can be configured with one or moresymmetries. In some cases, an implant may have a mirrored symmetry aboutone or more reference planes. In other cases, an implant may have atranslational symmetry about one or more reference planes. In stillother cases, an implant could have both a mirror symmetry and atranslational symmetry.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, implant 100 may include at least one mirrorsymmetry. For purposes of reference, implant 100 may be split into asuperior half and an inferior half. Here, the “superior half” of implant100 includes the portions of body 102 and plurality of arched bonecontacting elements 104 disposed above the transverse plane. Likewise,the “inferior half” of implant 100 includes the portions of body 102 andplurality of arched bone contacting elements 104 disposed below thetransverse.

With respect to the transverse plane (which coincides generally withbody 102 in this embodiment), it may be seen that the superior half ofimplant 100 mirrors the inferior half of implant 100. This includes notonly the geometry of the body but also the shape, size and orientationsof each arched bone contacting element. It may be appreciated that thismirror symmetry may only be approximate in some embodiments. Thesymmetric configuration of implant 100, for example the mirror symmetrybetween the superior and inferior halves of implant 100, may help tobalance loads in the vertical direction, or the direction along thelength of the spine.

Additional Embodiments

In different embodiments, the dimensions of an implant can vary.Exemplary dimensions that could be varied include length, width andthickness. Moreover, in some cases, the diameter of one or more archedbone contacting elements could vary from one embodiment to another.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an implant 700.Implant 700 may be similar in many ways to implant 100 discussed aboveand shown in FIGS. 1-10. In some embodiments, implant 700 may have agreater width and length (and thus a larger overall footprint) thanimplant 100. In order to accommodate the larger size, implant 700 mayinclude an additional arched bone contacting element 702 on superiorside 710, as well as a corresponding element on an inferior side (notshown).

As seen in FIG. 11, arched bone contacting element 702 extends fromsupport beam 720 to lateral side 722 of implant 700. With thisadditional arched bone contacting element, group of arched bonecontacting elements 730 on lateral side 724 is seen to have the samenumber of elements (i.e., three) as group of arched bone contactingelements 732 on lateral side 722. This configuration of arched bonecontacting elements is thus seen to have a mirror symmetry about acentral axis 740 of implant 700.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a schematic view of another embodiment of animplant 800. Implant 800 may be similar in many ways to implant 100 andimplant 700 discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1-11. In someembodiments, implant 800 may have a greater width and length (and thus alarger overall footprint) than implant 700.

Some embodiments can include one or more arched bone contacting elementsthat are attached at both ends to a single support beam. Someembodiments can include one or more arched bone contacting elements thatare attached to a single segment of a peripheral structure.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13, implant 800 is comprised of a plurality ofarched bone contacting elements 804 attached to a body 802. Body 802 isfurther comprised of a peripheral structure 806, a first support beam810, a second support beam 812 and a third support beam 814.

Referring now to FIG. 13, plurality of arched bone contacting elements804 is further comprised of a first group of arched bone contactingelements 820 (or first group 820), a second group of arched bonecontacting elements 822 (or second group 822), a third group of archedbone contacting elements 824 (or third group 824), a fourth group ofarched bone contacting elements 826 (or fourth group 826), a fifth groupof arched bone contacting elements 828 (or fifth group 828), a sixthgroup of arched bone contacting elements 830 (or sixth group 830), aseventh group of arched bone contacting elements 832 (or seventh group832) and an eighth group of arched bone contacting elements 834 (oreighth group 834).

Second group 822 includes arched bone contacting elements extending fromfirst lateral side 811 of peripheral structure 806 to first support beam810. Fourth group 826 includes arched bone contacting elements extendingfrom first support beam 810 to second support beam 812. Fifth group 828includes arched bone contacting elements extending from second supportbeam 812 to third support beam 814. Seventh group 832 includes archedbone contacting elements extending from third support beam 814 to secondlateral side 813 of peripheral structure 806. Moreover, the arched bonecontacting elements in second group 822, fourth group 826, fifth group828 and seventh group 832 are generally arranged into V-likeconfigurations organized into a herringbone-like pattern, similar to thearrangement of arched bone contacting elements of implant 100.

As implant 800 has an increased footprint compared to implant 100 andimplant 700, additional arched bone contacting elements may be includedto provide a larger (partial) contact surface on the superior andinferior sides of implant 800. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-13,some of these additional arched bone contacting elements are added alongthe lateral sides of body 802 as well as first support beam 810, secondsupport beam 812 and third support beam 814.

First group 820 includes an arched bone contacting element 901 and anarched bone contacting element 902, which are both connected at each endto first lateral side 811 of peripheral structure 806. Specifically, forexample, arched bone contacting element 901 includes a first flared leg911 attached to first lateral side 811 and a second flared leg 912attached to first lateral side 811.

Additionally, third group 824 includes three arched bone contactingelements, each of which are attached at both ends to first support beam810. For example, arched bone contacting element 903 includes firstflared leg 921 attached to first support beam 810 and a second flaredleg 922 attached to first support beam 810. Likewise, sixth group 830includes three arched bone contacting elements. Each of these elementsincludes two flared legs that are both attached at third support beam814. Additionally, eighth group 834 includes two arched bone contactingelements. Each of these elements includes two flared legs that are bothattached at second lateral side 813 of peripheral structure 806.

Surface Texturing

Embodiments can include provisions for texturing one or more surfaces ofan implant. Such texturing can increase or otherwise promote bone growthand/or fusion to surfaces of the implant. In some embodiments, archedbone contacting elements and/or sections of a body may be textured.

In some embodiments, the surface structure of one or more regions of animplant may be roughened or provided with irregularities. Generally,this roughened structure may be accomplished through the use of acidetching, bead or grit blasting, sputter coating with titanium, sinteringbeads of titanium or cobalt chrome onto the implant surface, as well asother methods. In some embodiments, the roughness can be created by 3Dprinting a raised pattern on the surface of one or more regions of animplant. In some embodiments, the resulting roughened surface may havepores of varying sizes. In some embodiments, pore sizes could rangebetween approximately 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, pore sizescould be approximately 0.5 mm. Of course in other embodiments, surfaceroughness comprising pore sizes less than 0.2 mm and/or greater than 0.8mm are possible.

An embodiment using textured surfaces is shown in an isometric view ofan alternative embodiment and implant 900 seen in FIG. 14. As seen inFIG. 14, implant 900 includes a smooth peripheral surface 902. Theremaining surfaces of implant 900, however, have been roughened. Theseinclude the visible portions of superior surface 904, which is furthercomprised of superior surfaces of peripheral structure 950 and thesurfaces of plurality of arched bone contacting elements 952. Forpurposes of illustration, the roughened surfaces are indicatedschematically using stippling. These roughened or porous surfaces mayhelp improve bone growth along surfaces of the implant. As a particularexample, arched bone contacting element 960 is seen to have a roughenedsurface region 962 (also seen in the enlarged schematic view of FIG. 15)that extends through the entire element including distal surface region964 which is intended to directly contact an adjacent vertebra.

It may be appreciated that any of the embodiments illustrated in theFigures can include one or more roughened surfaces. For example, in someembodiments implant 100, implant 700 or implant 900 could include one ormore roughened surfaces. Moreover, the roughened surfaces could beselectively applied to some portions of an implant but not others.

Bone Growth Promoting Material

In some embodiments, bone growth can be facilitated by applying a bonegrowth promoting material in or around portions of an implant. As usedherein, a “bone growth promoting material” (or BGPM) is any materialthat helps bone growth. Bone growth promoting materials may includeprovisions that are freeze dried onto a surface or adhered to the metalthrough the use of linker molecules or a binder. Examples of bone growthpromoting materials are any materials including bone morphogeneticproteins (BMPs), such as BMP-1, BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, and BMP-7. Theseare hormones that convert stem cells into bone forming cells. Furtherexamples include recombinant human BMPs (rhBMPs), such as rhBMP-2,rhBMP-4, and rhBMP-7. Still further examples include platelet derivedgrowth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), collagen, BMPmimetic peptides, as well as RGD peptides. Generally, combinations ofthese chemicals may also be used. These chemicals can be applied using asponge, matrix or gel.

Some bone growth promoting materials may also be applied to animplantable prosthesis through the use of a plasma spray orelectrochemical techniques. Examples of these materials include, but arenot limited to, hydroxyapatite, beta tri-calcium phosphate, calciumsulfate, calcium carbonate, as well as other chemicals.

A bone growth promoting material can include, or may be used incombination with a bone graft or a bone graft substitute. A variety ofmaterials may serve as bone grafts or bone graft substitutes, includingautografts (harvested from the iliac crest of the patient's body),allografts, demineralized bone matrix, and various synthetic materials.

Some embodiments may use autograft. Autograft provides the spinal fusionwith calcium collagen scaffolding for the new bone to grow on(osteoconduction). Additionally, autograft contains bone-growing cells,mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblast that regenerate bone. Lastly,autograft contains bone-growing proteins, including bone morphogenicproteins (BMPs), to foster new bone growth in the patient.

Bone graft substitutes may comprise synthetic materials includingcalcium phosphates or hydroxyapatites, stem cell containing productswhich combine stem cells with one of the other classes of bone graftsubstitutes, and growth factor containing matrices such as INFUSE®(rhBMP-2-containing bone graft) from Medtronic, Inc.

It should be understood that the provisions listed here are not meant tobe an exhaustive list of possible bone growth promoting materials, bonegrafts or bone graft substitutes.

In some embodiments, BGPM may be applied to one or more outer surfacesof an implant. In other embodiments, BGPM may be applied to internalvolumes within an implant. In still other embodiments, BGPM may beapplied to both external surfaces and internally within an implant.

Osteotomy Implants

In some embodiments, the implant may be configured for implantation aspart of an opening osteotomy procedure. In such embodiments, the implantmay be substantially wedge-shaped. To facilitate implantation, theleading edge (i.e., the narrow end) of the wedge may have asubstantially smooth surface. In addition, in order to receive anelongate insertion tool, the trailing edge (i.e., the thicker end) ofthe wedge may have a monolithic structure. The monolithic structure mayinclude a receptacle configured to receive an insertion tool, forexample, via a threaded connection.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an osteotomy procedure involvingthe implantation of a wedge implant. As shown in FIG. 16, an implant1600 may be substantially wedge-shaped. As part of an opening osteotomyprocedure, a bone, such as tibia 1605, may be cut on one side, and priedopen to create a recess 1610 in the bone. Implant 1600 may be insertedinto recess 1610 to fill in the gap and, thereby, effectively lengthenone side of the bone. That is, the bone may have a first side 1615 and asecond side 1620. Recess 1610 may be created in first side 1615, andthus, insertion of wedge-shaped implant 1600 effectively lengthens firstside 1615 of tibia 1605. This lengthening of one side of a bone cancorrect malformations, whether congenital or due to trauma or disease.For example, the lengthening of a lateral or medial side of the tibiacan correct for conditions such as bowlegs or knock-knees. Suchprocedures can also be used to treat osteoarthritis on one side of theknee, by shifting a person's weight to the healthy side of the knee.

FIG. 17 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of implant 1600. Asshown in FIG. 17, implant 1600 may include a body 1625. Body 1625 mayhave a leading edge portion 1635, a trailing edge portion 1640, and anintermediate portion 1645 extending between leading edge portion 1635and trailing edge portion 1640.

Implant 1600 may be used in osteotomy procedures in a number ofanatomical locations. Accordingly, the directional references areprovided with respect to a plurality of axes. In particular, implant1600 may have a length extending from leading edge portion 1635 totrailing edge portion 1640 along a longitudinal axis 1650, as shown inFIG. 17. As also shown in FIG. 17, implant 1600 may have a widthextending along a lateral axis 1655 perpendicular to longitudinal axis1650. Further, implant 1600 may have a thickness in a third dimensionalong a third axis 1660 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 1650 andlateral axis 1655.

In some embodiments, the leading edge of the implant may includeprovisions to facilitate insertion of the implant between opposing sidesof a bone recess. For example, the leading edge may be provided with abullnose feature. That is, the leading edge may include a substantiallysmooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leading edge surfaceof the leading edge portion.

As shown in FIG. 17, leading edge portion 1635 may have a leading edgesurface 1665 that is substantially smooth across a substantial majorityof leading edge portion 1635. In some embodiments, the substantiallysmooth leading edge surface 1665 may extend the entire thickness ofleading edge portion 1635 in the direction of third axis 1660, as shownin FIG. 17. As further shown in FIG. 17, leading edge surface 1665 maybe substantially rounded in the direction of third axis 1660. (See alsoFIG. 19.) As also shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, leading edgesurface 1665 may be rounded in the direction of lateral axis 1655. (Seealso FIG. 18.)

The implant may include provisions for receiving an insertion tool. Forexample, some embodiments can include a monolithic structure in thetrailing edge of the implant. The monolithic structure can include oneor more receptacles configured to engage an insertion or implantationtool. In some embodiments, such receptacles may include female threadsconfigured to engage insertion or implantation tools.

FIG. 18 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of the implant1600. As shown in FIG. 18, trailing edge 1640 may include a monolithicstructure 1670. Monolithic structure 1670 may including a receptacle1675 configured to receive an insertion tool (see, e.g., FIG. 24 for anexemplary insertion tool). In some embodiments, receptacle 1675 mayinclude female threading 1676 configured to receive male threading on aninsertion tool.

The implant may include provisions to promote bone ingrowth. Forexample, in some embodiments, the implant may include a plurality ofelongate curved structural members. Spaces may be defined between theelongate curved structural members to permit bone ingrowth in betweenand around the elongate curved structural members. In some embodiments,the elongate curved structural members may have any of a variety ofcurved configurations. For example, the structural members may includeportions that are helical, spiraled, coiled, sinusoidal, arched, orotherwise curved.

As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, implant 1600 may include oneor more elongate curved structural members 1680. As shown in FIG. 18,elongate curved structural members 1680 may be substantially spiralmembers, such as a first spiral member 1685 and a second spiral member1690. The two spiral members may be substantially concentric about thirdaxis 1660. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, first spiral member 1685may be an outer spiral forming perimeter portions of implant 1600extending between leading edge portion 1635 and trailing edge portion1640. Second spiral member 1690 may be an inner spiral. As shown in FIG.18, first spiral member 1685 and second spiral member 1690 may havesubstantially the same gauge (e.g., wire diameter). In otherembodiments, first spiral member 1685 and second spiral member 1690 maybe formed with different gauges.

Elongate curved structural members 1680 may provide longitudinalcompressive strength to implant 1600. That is, since implant 1600 isinserted in the direction of longitudinal axis 1650 by pushing it towardleading edge portion 1635 with an insertion tool from trailing edgeportion 1640, implant 1600 may be subjected to significant longitudinalcompressive forces. Accordingly, elongate curved structural members 1680may be configured to withstand such compressive forces and to maintainan amount of rigidity that enables insertion of leading edge portion1635 without buckling or undue compression of intermediate portion 1645.Accordingly, the gauge, material, and geometrical shape of elongatecurved structural members 1680 may be selected to provide thelongitudinal compressive strength desired for the intended implantationlocation.

First spiral member 1685 may have a substantially tapered thickness inthe direction of third axis 1660, providing implant 1600 with itssubstantially wedge-shaped configuration. As shown in FIG. 18, secondspiral member 1690 may have a substantially constant thickness in thedirection of third axis 1660. Due to one spiral member having a taperedthickness and the other spiral member having a constant thicknesses, inat least one area of the implant, the two spirals will have differentthicknesses. For example, one end of the implant may be provided with adifference in thickness of the two spirals. As shown in FIG. 18, in theleading edge end of implant 1600, first spiral member 1685 and secondspiral member 1690 may have substantially the same thickness, whereas,in the trailing edge end of implant 1600, first spiral member 1685 andsecond spiral member 1690 have different thicknesses, with first spiralmember 1685 having a larger thickness than second spiral member 1690. Inthe configuration of FIG. 18, with an inner spiral member having asmaller thickness than the outer spiral member, a hollowed centralregion 1691 of implant 1600 may be provided, which may facilitate use ofbone graft material.

FIG. 19 is a schematic lateral view of the implant 1600. As shown inFIG. 19, the body of implant 1600 may be substantially wedge-shaped.That is, the thickness of implant 1600 may be tapered. For example, asshown in FIG. 19, implant 1600 may have a first thickness 1695 proximateleading edge portion 1635, and a second thickness 1700 at trailing edgeportion 1640, wherein second thickness 1700 is greater than firstthickness 1695.

In addition, it will be noted that, as shown in FIG. 19, first thickness1695 of implant 1600 is completely formed by the substantially smoothleading edge surface 1665 of leading edge portion 1635. In addition, thepreviously discussed rounded profile of leading edge surface 1665 isalso clearly shown in FIG. 19. Both of these features may facilitateinsertion of implant 1600 into a recess in bone.

FIG. 20 is a schematic leading edge view of implant 1600. Previouslydiscussed hollow central region 1691 is shown from a differentperspective in FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 is a schematic trailing edge view of implant 1600. FIG. 21illustrates the relative proportions of trailing edge portion 1640. Forexample, in in some embodiments, trailing edge portion 1640 may have athickness 1705 that extends a substantial majority of second thickness1700 of elongate curved structural members 1680 in the trailing edge endof implant 1600.

In addition to having a wedge configuration due to varying thickness inthird axis 1665, the perimeter portions of implant 1600 may define asubstantially teardrop shape. The substantially teardrop shape may besuitable for implantation in certain bone locations. For example, thesubstantially teardrop shape may be suitable for implantation in atibial osteotomy due to the curved nature of the outer surface of thetibia at the location the osteotomy is typically performed. In otherembodiments, implants having different shapes may be used. For example,implants having substantially square or rectangular shapes may be used,particularly where the surface of the bone in which the implant is to beinserted has a less rounded surface.

FIG. 22 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant. FIG. 22 shows an implant 2200. Implant 2200may have a substantially square shape. As shown in FIG. 22, implant 2200may include a body 2225. Body 2225 may have a leading edge portion 2235,a trailing edge portion 2240, and an intermediate portion 2245 extendingbetween leading edge portion 2235 and trailing edge portion 2240.

Implant 2200 may be used in osteotomy procedures in a number ofanatomical locations. Accordingly, the directional references areprovided with respect to a plurality of axes. In particular, implant2200 may have a length extending from leading edge portion 2235 totrailing edge portion 2240 along a longitudinal axis 2250, as shown inFIG. 22. As also shown in FIG. 22, implant 2200 may have a widthextending along a lateral axis 2255 perpendicular to longitudinal axis2250. Further, implant 2200 may have a thickness in a third dimensionalong a third axis 2260 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 2250 andlateral axis 2255.

In some embodiments, the leading edge of the implant may includeprovisions to facilitate insertion of the implant between opposing sidesof a bone recess. For example, the leading edge may be provided with abullnose feature. That is, the leading edge may include a substantiallysmooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leading edge surfaceof the leading edge portion.

As shown in FIG. 22, leading edge portion 2235 may have a leading edgesurface 2265 that is substantially smooth across a substantial majorityof leading edge portion 2235. In some embodiments, the substantiallysmooth leading edge surface 2265 may extend the entire thickness ofleading edge portion 2235 in the direction of third axis 2260, as shownin FIG. 22. As further shown in FIG. 22, leading edge surface 2265 maybe substantially rounded in the direction of third axis 2260.

The implant may include provisions for receiving an insertion tool. Forexample, some embodiments can include a monolithic structure in thetrailing edge of the implant. The monolithic structure can include oneor more receptacles configured to engage an insertion or implantationtool. In some embodiments, such receptacles may include female threadsconfigured to engage insertion or implantation tools.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of another osteotomy procedure. InFIG. 23, the implantation of implant 2200 is depicted. As shown in FIG.23, implant 2200 may be implanted as part of an opening osteotomyprocedure performed on a cuneiform bone in the foot, such as medialcuneiform 2220. As also shown in FIG. 23, implant 2200 may have asubstantially wedge-shaped configuration in which the trailing edge endhas a greater thickness than the leading edge end of implant 2200.Accordingly, implant 2200 may be inserted into a recess 2210 in medialcuneiform 2220.

FIG. 23 includes a schematic trailing edge perspective view of implant2200. As shown in FIG. 23, trailing edge 2240 may include a monolithicstructure 2270. Monolithic structure 2270 may include a receptacle 2275configured to receive an insertion tool (see, e.g., FIG. 24 for anexemplary insertion tool). In some embodiments, receptacle 2275 mayinclude female threading 2276 configured to receive male threading on aninsertion tool. Also, in some embodiments, implant 2200 may include oneor more inserter features similar to indentations 365 and 367 shown inFIG. 6.

The implant may include provisions to promote bone ingrowth. Forexample, in some embodiments, the implant may include a plurality ofelongate curved structural members. Spaces may be defined between theelongate curved structural members to permit bone ingrowth in betweenand around the elongate curved structural members. In some embodiments,the elongate curved structural members may have any of a variety ofcurved configurations. For example, the structural members may includeportions that are helical, spiraled, coiled, sinusoidal, arched, orotherwise curved.

As shown in FIG. 23, instead of a single large spiral member providingthe entire thickness of the implant, implant 2200 may have a pluralityof elongate curved structural members 2280 stacked in the direction ofthird axis 2260. Elongate curved structural members 2280 may include aplurality of spiral members. One or more of the spiral members may formperimeter portions of implant 2200, as shown in FIG. 23. Also, one ormore of the spiral members may extend between leading edge portion 2235and trailing edge portion 2240. Accordingly, such spiral members mayprovide implant 2200 with longitudinal compressive strength to maintainstructural integrity during insertion into an osteotomy recess.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of another osteotomy procedureinvolving the implantation of implant 2200. As shown FIG. 24, anosteotomy procedure may be performed on other bones a foot 2400, such asa calcaneus 2405. Such an osteotomy procedure may create a recess 2410in calcaneus 2405. Implant 2200 may be configured (and sized) forinsertion into recess 2410.

FIG. 24 also shows an insertion tool 2415, configured to engagereceptacle 2275 of implant 2200. For example, insertion tool 2415 mayinclude male threads 2420 configured to engage the female threads inreceptacle 2275.

FIG. 25 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of a wedge type implant. As shown in FIG. 25, an implant 2500may have substantially the same structure as implant 2200. For example,implant 2500 may include a body 2525. Body 2525 may have a leading edgeportion 2535, a trailing edge portion 2540, and an intermediate portion2545 extending between leading edge portion 2535 and trailing edgeportion 2540. Body 2525 may also include a plurality of elongate curvedstructural members 2580.

As shown in FIG. 25, implant 2500 may also include a first structuralsupport beam 2286 extending between leading edge portion 2535 andtrailing edge portion 2540. Along with elongate curved support members2580, first structural support beam 2586 may provide longitudinalcompressive strength to implant 2500. In some embodiments, implant 2500may include more than one structural support beam. For example, implant2500 may include a second structural support beam 2587. As shown in FIG.25, first structural support beam 2586 and second structural supportbeam 2587 may be disposed on opposing lateral sides of implant 2500. Insome embodiments, the structural support beams may be disposed withinone or more of elongate support members 2580. For example, as shown inFIG. 25, first structural support member 2586 may be disposed within afirst spiral member 2585 extending between leading edge portion 2535 andtrailing edge portion 2540.

FIG. 26 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of a wedge type implant. As shown in FIG. 26, an implant 2600may have substantially the same structure as implant 2200. For example,implant 2600 may include a body 2625. Body 2625 may have a leading edgeportion 2635, a trailing edge portion 2640, and an intermediate portion2645 extending between leading edge portion 2635 and trailing edgeportion 2640. Body 2625 may also include a plurality of elongate curvedstructural members 2680.

As shown in FIG. 26, implant 2600 may also include a structural supportbeam 2686 extending between leading edge portion 2635 and trailing edgeportion 2640. Along with elongate curved support members 2680, firststructural support beam 2686 may provide longitudinal compressivestrength to implant 2500.

Sacroiliac Joint Implants

Wedge type implants may be used in other surgical procedures. Forexample, wedge type implants may be used in sacroiliac jointstabilization procedures. Such implants may be inserted between thesacrum and ilium in order to immobilize or fuse the joint between thesetwo bones. Such implants may have provisions to facilitate insertion.For example, such implants may have a substantially wedge-shapedconfiguration, and may include a bullnose leading edge and a monolithictrailing edge portion configured to engage an insertion tool. Inaddition, such implants may have provisions to promote bone ingrowth.For example, such implants may include a plurality of elongate curvedstructural members arranged to define spaces between the structuralmembers. This open structure may promote bone ingrowth between andaround the elongate curved structural members.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a sacroiliac joint stabilizationprocedure involving the implantation of a wedge implant. As shown inFIG. 27, an implant 2700 may be substantially wedge-shaped. As part of asacroiliac joint stabilization procedure, the sacroiliac joint 2704between the sacrum 2705 and the ilium 2710 may be stabilized byinserting implant 2700 between these two bones.

As shown in FIG. 27, an insertion tool 2715 may be used to deliverimplant 2700 into sacroiliac joint 2704. Insertion tool 2715 may beconfigured to engage a trailing edge portion of implant 2700 and may beutilized to drive into and orient implant 2700 with respect tosacroiliac joint 2704. In some embodiments, insertion tool 2715 mayengage with implant 2700 via a threaded connection.

FIG. 28 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of implant 2700. Asshown in FIG. 27, implant 2700 may include a body 2725. Body 1625 mayhave a leading edge portion 2735, a trailing edge portion 2740, and anintermediate portion 2745 extending between leading edge portion 2735and trailing edge portion 2740.

Although, implant 2700 is illustrated as implantable for sacroiliacstabilization procedures, such an implant with the same or similarconfiguration may be used in a variety of medical procedures, such asosteotomy procedures, bone fusion procedures, etc. Accordingly, thedirectional references are provided with respect to a plurality of axes.In particular, implant 2700 may have a length extending from leadingedge portion 2735 to trailing edge portion 2740 along a longitudinalaxis 2750, as shown in FIG. 28. As also shown in FIG. 28, implant 2700may have a width extending along a lateral axis 2755 perpendicular tolongitudinal axis 2750. Further, implant 2700 may have a thickness in athird dimension along a third axis 2760 perpendicular to longitudinalaxis 2750 and lateral axis 2755.

In some embodiments, the leading edge of the implant may includeprovisions to facilitate insertion of the implant between opposing bonesof the sacroiliac joint. For example, the leading edge may be providedwith a bullnose feature. That is, the leading edge may include asubstantially smooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leadingedge surface of the leading edge portion.

As shown in FIG. 28, leading edge portion 2735 may have a leading edgesurface 2765 that is substantially smooth across a substantial majorityof a width of leading edge portion 2735. As shown in FIG. 28, in someembodiments, leading edge surface 2765 may be rounded in the directionof lateral axis 2755.

Leading edge portion 2735 may have a substantially tapered thickness inthe direction of third axis 2760, providing implant 2700 with itssubstantially wedge-shaped configuration. That is, leading edge portion2735 may have a first thickness 2795 and trailing edge portion 2740 mayhave a second thickness 2800. As shown in FIG. 28, second thickness 2800may be greater than first thickness 2795.

The implant may include provisions to promote bone ingrowth. Forexample, in some embodiments, the implant may include a plurality ofelongate curved structural members. Spaces may be defined between theelongate curved structural members to permit bone ingrowth in betweenand around the elongate curved structural members. In some embodiments,the elongate curved structural members may have any of a variety ofcurved configurations. For example, the structural members may includeportions that are helical, spiraled, coiled, sinusoidal, arched, orotherwise curved.

As shown in FIG. 28, in some embodiments, implant 2700 may include oneor more elongate curved structural members 2780. As shown in FIG. 28,elongate curved structural members 2780 may include at least oneelongate curved structural member 2785 extending longitudinally fromleading edge portion 2735 to trailing edge portion 2740 of implant 2700.As further shown in FIG. 28, in some embodiments, elongate curvedstructural member 2785 may have a substantially sinusoidalconfiguration. Accordingly, elongate curved structural member 2785 maycurve back and forth in the direction of third axis 2760. The sinusoidalconfiguration may provide open spaces on opposing sides of thestructural member to facilitate bone ingrowth, receive bone graftmaterial, or both. As shown in FIG. 28, in some embodiments, implant2700 may include a plurality of sinusoidal structural members havingopposing curvatures. That is, where a first structural member curves ina first direction, the adjacent structural member may curve in theopposite direction.

Elongate curved structural members 2780 may provide longitudinalcompressive strength to implant 2700. That is, since implant 2700 isinserted in the direction of longitudinal axis 2750 by pushing it towardleading edge portion 2735 with an insertion tool from trailing edgeportion 2740, implant 2700 may be subjected to significant longitudinalcompressive forces. Accordingly, elongate curved structural members 2780may be configured to withstand such compressive forces and to maintainan amount of rigidity that enables insertion of leading edge portion2735 without buckling or undue compression of intermediate portion 2745.Accordingly, the gauge, material, and geometrical shape of elongatecurved structural members 2780 may be selected to provide thelongitudinal compressive strength desired for the intended implantationlocation.

The implant may include provisions for receiving an insertion tool. Forexample, some embodiments can include a monolithic structure in thetrailing edge of the implant. The monolithic structure can include oneor more receptacles configured to engage an insertion or implantationtool. In some embodiments, such receptacles may include female threadsconfigured to engage insertion or implantation tools.

FIG. 29 is a schematic trailing edge perspective view of implant 2700.As shown in FIG. 29, trailing edge 2740 may include a monolithicstructure 2770. Monolithic structure 2770 may including a receptacle2775 configured to receive an insertion tool (see, e.g., FIG. 27 for anexemplary insertion tool). In some embodiments, receptacle 2775 mayinclude female threading 2776 configured to receive male threading on aninsertion tool.

The implant can be formed with elongate curved structural members havinga variety of configurations. FIGS. 30-34 illustrate several embodimentsthat implement substantially the same leading edge portion and trailingedge portion as implant 2700, but which include differing elongatecurved structural members.

FIG. 30 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant. FIG. 30 illustrates an implant 3000 having abody 3025. Body 3025 may have a leading edge portion 3035, a trailingedge portion 3040, and an intermediate portion 3045 extending betweenleading edge portion 3035 and trailing edge portion 3040. Implant 3000may also include a plurality of elongate curved structural members 3080.

One or more of elongate curved structural members 3080 may have asinusoidal configuration. For example, a first sinusoidal structuralmember 3085 and a second sinusoidal member 3090 may extend betweenleading edge portion 3035 and trailing edge portion 3040. As shown inFIG. 30, first sinusoidal structural member 3085 and second sinusoidalmember 3090 may curve back and forth in a lateral direction. Firstsinusoidal structural member 3085 and second sinusoidal member 3090 mayalso provide longitudinal compressive strength to implant 3000. Inaddition, in some embodiments, a portion of one or more of elongatecurved structural members 3080 may have a substantially helicalconfiguration.

FIG. 31 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant. FIG. 31 illustrates an implant 3100 having abody 3125. Body 3125 may have a leading edge portion 3135, a trailingedge portion 3140, and an intermediate portion 3145 extending betweenleading edge portion 3135 and trailing edge portion 3140. Implant 3100may also include a plurality of elongate curved structural members 3180.

As shown in FIG. 31, in some embodiments, plurality of elongate curvedstructural members 3180 may include one or more substantially helicalmembers longitudinally from leading edge portion 3135 to trailing edgeportion 3140. For example, implant 3100 may include a firstsubstantially helical member 3185, a second substantially helical member3190, and a third substantially helical member 3195 extending betweenleading edge portion 3135 and trailing edge portion 3140.

In some embodiments, implant 3100 may include one or more structuralsupport beams. For example, as also shown in FIG. 31, implant 3100 mayinclude a first structural support beam 3196 and a second structuralsupport beam 3197. First structural support beam 3196 and secondstructural support beam 3197 may provide implant 3100 with longitudinalcompressive strength. In addition, first structural support beam 3196and second structural support beam 3197 may also provide a frameworkupon which one or more of the substantially helical members may bedisposed.

FIG. 32 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant. FIG. 32 illustrates an implant 3200 having abody 3225. Body 3225 may have a leading edge portion 3235, a trailingedge portion 3240, and an intermediate portion 3245 extending betweenleading edge portion 3235 and trailing edge portion 3240. Implant 3200may also include a plurality of elongate curved structural members 3280.

As shown in FIG. 32, implant 3200 may include a first structural supportbeam 3296 and a second structural support beam 3297. First structuralsupport beam 3296 and second structural support beam 3297 may provideimplant 3200 with longitudinal compressive strength. In addition, firststructural support beam 3296 and second structural support beam 3297 mayalso provide a framework upon which one or more of the elongate curvedstructural members may be disposed.

As shown in FIG. 32, in some embodiments, implant 3200 may include acentral wall portion 3260 disposed between leading edge portion 3235 andtrailing edge portion 3240 of implant 3200. Central wall portion 3260may span between first structural support beam 3296 and secondstructural support beam 3297, thus forming a framework. Thus, centralwall portion 3260 may provide structural strength to implant 3200 bothby adding a structural member to form a framework, and by shortening thelength of the elongate curved structural members. Further, elongatecurved structural members 3280 may be substantially symmetricallyarranged on opposing sides of central wall portion 3260, as shown inFIG. 32. This may ensure that the strength of implant 3200 is consistentalong a substantial majority of the longitudinal length of implant 3200.

FIG. 33 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant. FIG. 33 illustrates an implant 3300 having abody 3325. Body 3325 may have a leading edge portion 3335, a trailingedge portion 3340, and an intermediate portion 3345 extending betweenleading edge portion 3335 and trailing edge portion 3340. Implant 3300may also include a plurality of elongate curved structural members 3380.

As shown in FIG. 33, implant 3300 may include a plurality of structuralsupport beams extending between leading edge portion 3335 and trailingedge portion 3340. For example, implant 3300 may include a firststructural support beam 3396 and a second structural support beam 3397.Implant 3300 may also include a third structural support beam 3398 and afourth structural support beam 3399 extending. Since first structuralsupport beam 3396, second structural support beam 3397, third structuralsupport beam 3398, and fourth structural support beam 3399 extendbetween leading edge portion 3335 and trailing edge portion 3340, thesestructural support beams may provide implant 3300 with longitudinalcompressive strength. In addition, these structural support beams mayalso provide a framework upon which one or more of the elongate curvedstructural members may be disposed.

As shown in FIG. 33, elongate curved structural members 3380 and thestructural support beams may be configured in a rib-cage structure,defining an interior volume of space. The interior volume of space maybe configured to receive bone graft material and facilitate the ingrowthof bone around the support members of implant 3300.

FIG. 34 is a schematic leading edge perspective view of anotherembodiment of an implant. FIG. 34 illustrates an implant 3400 having abody 3425. Body 3425 may have a leading edge portion 3435, a trailingedge portion 3440, and an intermediate portion 3445 extending betweenleading edge portion 3435 and trailing edge portion 3440. Implant 3400may also include a plurality of elongate curved structural members 3480.

As shown in FIG. 34, implant 3400 may include a plurality of structuralsupport beams extending between leading edge portion 3435 and trailingedge portion 3440. For example, implant 3400 may include a firststructural support beam 3496, a second structural support beam 3497, anda third structural support beam 3498. Since first structural supportbeam 3496, second structural support beam 3497, and third structuralsupport beam 3498 extend between leading edge portion 3435 and trailingedge portion 3440, these structural support beams may provide implant3400 with longitudinal compressive strength. In addition, thesestructural support beams may also provide a framework upon which one ormore of the elongate curved structural members may be disposed.

As shown in FIG. 34, elongate curved structural members 3480 and thestructural support beams may be configured in a rib-cage structure,defining an interior volume of space. The interior volume of space maybe configured to receive bone graft material and facilitate the ingrowthof bone around the support members of implant 3400.

Manufacturing and Materials

The various components of an implant may be fabricated frombiocompatible materials suitable for implantation in a human body,including but not limited to, metals (e.g. titanium or other metals),synthetic polymers, ceramics, and/or their combinations, depending onthe particular application and/or preference of a medical practitioner.

Generally, the implant can be formed from any suitable biocompatible,non-degradable material with sufficient strength. Typical materialsinclude, but are not limited to, titanium, biocompatible titanium alloys(e.g. γTitanium Aluminides, Ti6-Al4-V ELI (ASTM F 136), or Ti6-Al4-V(ASTM F 1108 and ASTM F 1472)) and inert, biocompatible polymers, suchas polyether ether ketone (PEEK) (e.g. PEEK-OPTIMA®, Invibio Inc).Optionally, the implant contains a radiopaque marker to facilitatevisualization during imaging.

In different embodiments, processes for making an implant can vary. Insome embodiments, the entire implant may be manufactured and assembledvia injection-molding, cast or injection molding, insert-molding,co-extrusion, pultrusion, transfer molding, overmolding, compressionmolding, 3-Dimensional (3-D) printing, dip-coating, spray-coating,powder-coating, porous-coating, milling from a solid stock material andtheir combinations. Moreover, the embodiments can make use of any of thefeatures, parts, assemblies, processes and/or methods disclosed in the“Coiled Implants Application”.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shownin the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description,many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Anyfeature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substitutedfor any other feature or element in any other embodiment unlessspecifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any ofthe features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may beimplemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, theembodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attachedclaims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changesmay be made within the scope of the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An implant, comprising: a body having a leadingedge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediate portionextending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edgeportion; wherein the leading edge portion includes a substantiallysmooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leading edge surfaceof the leading edge portion; wherein the trailing edge portion includesa monolithic structure including at least one receptacle configured toreceive an insertion tool; wherein the intermediate portion includes aplurality of elongate curved structural members continuously formed withat least one of the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion;wherein the elongate curved structural members are configured such thatthe intermediate portion remains substantially rigid under compressiveforces during insertion of the leading edge portion between bonesurfaces of a patient; and wherein the elongate curved structuralmembers include at least one elongate curved structural member extendinglongitudinally from the leading edge portion to the trailing edgeportion of the implant and having a substantially sinusoidalconfiguration.
 2. The implant according to claim 1, wherein the leadingedge portion and the trailing edge portion extend in a first plane; andwherein the sinusoidal configuration oscillates in a second plane thatis substantially perpendicular to the first plane.
 3. The implantaccording to claim 1, wherein the sinusoidal configuration includescrests and valleys; and wherein the at least one elongate curvedstructural member has a plurality of flattened bone contacting regionsat the crests of the sinusoidal configuration.
 4. The implant accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate curved structural memberhas a plurality of flattened bone contacting regions at the valleys ofthe sinusoidal configuration.
 5. The implant according to claim 1,wherein the receptacle includes female threading configured to receivemale threading on an insertion tool.
 6. The implant according to claim1, wherein the body is substantially wedge- shaped.
 7. The implantaccording to claim 1, wherein the implant is configured for implantationin a sacroiliac joint.
 8. An implant, comprising: a body having aleading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediateportion extending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edgeportion; wherein the leading edge portion includes a substantiallysmooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leading edge surfaceof the leading edge portion; wherein the trailing edge portion includesa monolithic structure including at least one receptacle configured toreceive an insertion tool; wherein the intermediate portion includes aplurality of elongate curved structural members continuously formed withat least one of the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion;wherein the elongate curved structural members are configured such thatthe intermediate portion remains substantially rigid under compressiveforces during insertion of the leading edge portion between bonesurfaces of a patient; wherein the intermediate portion includes a firstsupport beam extending between the leading edge portion and the trailingedge portion; wherein the intermediate portion includes a second supportbeam extending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edgeportion and substantially parallel to the first support beam; andwherein at least one of the elongate curved structural members bridgesacross a gap between the first support beam and the second support beam.9. The implant according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the elongatecurved structural members bridge across the gap between the firstsupport beam and the second support beam; and wherein the plurality ofelongate curved structural members bridging across the gap aresubstantially parallel to one another.
 10. The implant according toclaim 8, further including a third support beam extending between theleading edge portion and the trailing edge portion and substantiallyparallel to the first support beam and the second support beam.
 11. Theimplant according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of elongate curvedstructural members includes at least two members attached to the firstsupport beam and respectively extending to the second support beam andthe third support beam in a V-like configuration.
 12. The implantaccording to claim 8, wherein the receptacle includes female threadingconfigured to receive male threading on an insertion tool.
 13. Theimplant according to claim 8, wherein the body is substantiallywedge-shaped.
 14. The implant according to claim 8, wherein the implantis configured for implantation in a sacroiliac joint.
 15. An implant,comprising: a body having a leading edge portion, a trailing edgeportion, and an intermediate portion extending between the leading edgeportion and the trailing edge portion; wherein the leading edge portionincludes a substantially smooth surface forming a substantial majorityof a leading edge surface of the leading edge portion; wherein thetrailing edge portion includes a monolithic structure including at leastone receptacle configured to receive an insertion tool; wherein theintermediate portion includes a plurality of elongate curved structuralmembers continuously formed with at least one of the leading edgeportion and the trailing edge portion; wherein the elongate curvedstructural members are configured such that the intermediate portionremains substantially rigid under compressive forces during insertion ofthe leading edge portion between bone surfaces of a patient; theplurality of elongate curved structural members including a first spiralmember extending from the leading edge portion to the trailing edgeportion and including a first plurality of coils; and the plurality ofelongate curved structural members including a second spiral memberextending from the leading edge portion to the trailing edge portion andincluding a second plurality of coils, including a first spiral memberand a second spiral member; wherein the first plurality of coils areinterlaced in alternating fashion with the second plurality of coils.16. The implant according to claim 15, wherein the first plurality ofcoils and the second plurality of coils are formed by substantiallyhelical members.
 17. The implant according to claim 15, wherein at leastone of the first spiral member and the second spiral member is a bonecontacting member configured to contact at least one surface of thepatient's bone upon insertion of the implant between the bone surfaces.18. The implant according to claim 15, further including at least onesupport beam extending between the leading edge portion and the trailingedge portion.
 19. The implant according to claim 15, wherein the body issubstantially wedge-shaped.
 20. The implant according to claim 15,wherein the implant is configured for implantation in a sacroiliacjoint.